Editorial January 6, 1945 Issue

"A little sanctuary"

Margaret Morrison

Much is said throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, about the sanctuary of the Lord, meaning usually the material temple in which men gathered to worship. Great care was given to the erection of these sanctuaries, that they should be after an exact pattern, and of costly and precious materials. Once erected, these sanctuaries became holy places, and severe was the punishment of any who defiled them. In many cities they offered sanctuary or refuge to those fleeing from the revenge of their enemies. In Leviticus we read, "Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord." Many such commands are given and rewards specified for obedience to them.

With the advent of Christ Jesus came a more spiritualized concept of sanctuary as a consciousness of holiness rather than a material edifice. The ninth chapter of Hebrews gives a most illuminating description of the changing concept of the temple, or sanctuary. There we are given an accurate account of the material structure, its pattern and the materials used in its construction, as well as the rites and ceremonies connected with it, but its incompleteness is indicated. We read, "The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest." Later the writer declares that it was the coming of the Christ, Truth, that opened the way into the holiest, not material ceremonies and sacrifices.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science through her scientific understanding of the words and works of Christ Jesus has made still more plain and practical the meaning of sanctuary. She has shown it to be a state of consciousness, the understanding of God as Spirit and man as His expression, spiritual and perfect. Through this understanding one sees the possibility, nay, the necessity, of individual consciousness becoming a veritable sanctuary, or holy place. Plain and exact is the pattern given in the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, precious are the qualities required, and inviolate the precincts. This holy or scientifically whole state of consciousness is a refuge—it is indeed the habitation of Truth. No claim of evil can enter there.

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"A little sanctuary"

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